Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/default.aspxen-USTelligent Community 1.5.134.12297 (Build: 5.5.134.12297)Ending The World With A Whimperhttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/02/11/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-review-game-informer.aspxTue, 11 Feb 2014 14:00:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6570249Joe Juba0<p><img border="0" style="max-width:610px;" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/review/lightningreview610.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>As the savior from a prophecy, Lightning has awoken to save the souls of the remaining humans before the world is destroyed. However, that isn&rsquo;t the only redemption that rests on her shoulders. As the third and final installment in the Final Fantasy XIII saga, Lightning Returns tries to distance itself from its predecessors and get back into gamers&rsquo; good graces. This results in some bold and unconventional decisions, but they don&rsquo;t save this entry from being the bottom of Final Fantasy XIII&rsquo;s downward spiral. </p>
<p>Though I was ultimately disappointed, Lightning Returns is not a bad game. It takes more risks than Final Fantasy XIII-2, particularly with its cool twist on combat. You control Lightning exclusively, executing abilities and guarding against enemy attacks in real time. This change to the formula means that timing and positioning are important, making battles feel less automated and more skill-focused. </p>
<p>You&rsquo;re trying to exploit weaknesses and stagger your foes, all while switching between three customizable weapon/ability sets called schemata. Depending on its latent properties, a schema can be tailored to a specific purpose &ndash; like physical attacks or debuffing &ndash; or have a mix of powers from different categories. I like this flexibility, since it gives players the freedom to stray outside of the traditional roles (commando, ravager, etc) and develop new combat styles. Swapping from one schema to the next and &shy;unloading with a series of carefully plotted attacks &shy;creates a fast-paced, high-tension system that makes fights exciting.</p>
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<p>The battlefield may be different, but the most significant change in Lightning Returns comes from the passage of time. The impending apocalypse is happening in 13 days, and an on-screen countdown clock ticks through the minutes as Lightning goes about her business. Though it pauses for combat and cutscenes, the danger of wasting time adds constant pressure, which has upsides and downsides. The sense of urgency can lead to some entertaining time management; I liked planning out my days and optimizing travel to accomplish as much as possible. On the other hand, with the hours slipping through your fingers, you are effectively discouraged from any extensive exploration. I finished the five main storyline quests by day seven, but I had no idea what kind of surplus or deficit I would have along the way. I would do things differently on a subsequent playthrough, but when faced with the prospect of failing and having to restart, I was reluctant to burn an entire day scouring the Wildlands for tucked-away treasure spheres.</p>
<p>My biggest problem with the timer is that it severely limits your ability to fully dive into some of the systems. For instance, after you kill enough of a species of monster, the &ldquo;last one&rdquo; appears &ndash; the final specimen of its kind. If you win these encounters, you exterminate the species completely and get some good loot. The whole concept is cool, but you need to spend hours of in-game time grinding through beasts (many of which don&rsquo;t have consistent spawning patterns) to take advantage of it. The same goes for ability synthesis and upgrading; enemies drop the items you need to make these systems work, but you don&rsquo;t have the freedom to grind without &shy;worrying about how your limited time could be better spent.</p>
<p>Apart from the main quests, most of Lightning&rsquo;s attention is on completing side quests. These are usually started by talking to someone at a specific time of day, followed by you fetching something &ndash; or a series of things &ndash; for them. The tasks are dull, have badly written dialogue, and are made needlessly complicated by events or items only being accessible at certain times. So why do them at all? Because they&rsquo;re your primary form of progression. </p>
<div style="border:1px solid #333333;margin:10px;width:580px;">
<div style="padding:3px;background:none repeat scroll 0% 0% #666666;width:574px;color:#ffffcc;"><strong>An Easier Start<br /></strong></div>
<div style="padding:6px;">When you begin Lightning Returns, you choose between two difficulty settings: easy and normal. Unlike previous installments, this one can get quite difficult; don&rsquo;t let your pride keep you from starting on easy. You don&rsquo;t miss out on any significant content, and the game doesn&rsquo;t have any difficulty-specific achievements. On the other hand, the challenge of playing on normal mode is thrilling, and it forces you to learn the intricacies of the battle system. Whichever one you choose, be warned: You can&rsquo;t change the setting once the game starts. </div>
</div>
<p>You don&rsquo;t earn experience points or gain levels in Lightning Returns. Instead, you get passive stat upgrades by doing quests. Though I like the idea of rewarding players&rsquo; actions instead of their tolerance for grinding, the side quests aren&rsquo;t interesting or fun enough to justify the time you need to spend with them to increase Lightning&rsquo;s power. Engaging in battle isn&rsquo;t rendered completely useless, since it still gives you money and EP &ndash; a limited resource with many applications ranging from healing to freezing time. Even so, I wasn&rsquo;t nearly as enthralled with Lightning&rsquo;s development because I had no influence over which stats grow or by how much. Each side quest just dishes out
static boosts.</p>
<p>Tying everything together is the story, which is a joke. It feels like a non-canon spinoff that would normally be relegated to a comic book or mobile-exclusive puzzle game. Lightning&rsquo;s heavy-handed inner monologue demonstrates a &ldquo;tell, don&rsquo;t show&rdquo; approach to her character, and she doesn&rsquo;t exhibit any growth. The main quests are all transparent efforts to shoehorn recognizable characters into the events, despite the leaps in logic the game attempts to explain why people like Sazh and Snow are still around and relevant 1,000 years after Final Fantasy XIII. Though Lightning Returns definitively ends the tale that began with that game, the climactic events are so convoluted and poorly explained that it killed whatever lingering investment I had in the universe. </p>
<p>Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2 trained me to look past a bad plot and appreciate good gameplay, but the positives are more buried and harder to see in Lightning Returns. It makes the same mistakes with its narrative, and swaps out systems that worked (like monster collection and the crystarium) for half-baked concepts that don&rsquo;t hit the same high notes. The conclusion of a trilogy presents the opportunity for an emotional farewell to a beloved cast and world, but Lightning Returns only left me relieved to see this adventure end. </p>
<div style="border:1px solid #333333;margin:10px;width:580px;">
<div style="padding:3px;background:none repeat scroll 0% 0% #666666;width:574px;color:#ffffcc;"><strong>What If I Blow It?<br /></strong></div>
<div style="padding:6px;">If the worst happens and you run out of time, all is not lost. Lightning Returns is designed to allow multiple playthroughs thanks to a new game+ feature. If you run out the clock and the world ends, you are able to start a new game while retaining all of the stats and items that you obtained previously. However, you get even more bonuses (like access to weapon upgrades) if you start a new game+ after completing the main storyline.</div>
</div><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6570249" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIsquare enixPlayStation 3Role-PlayinglightningReviewLara Croft Costume Puts A Climbing Axe In Lightning's Handshttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/02/05/lara-croft-costume-coming-to-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspxWed, 05 Feb 2014 16:04:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6561899Mike Futter93http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6561899http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/02/05/lara-croft-costume-coming-to-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx#comments<p><img style="max-width:610px;" border="0" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/tomb-raider/TombRaiderLRFFXIII-610.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Lightning&rsquo;s wardrobe continues to expand. We know she&rsquo;ll have access to costumes from <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/05/cloud-39-s-isn-39-t-the-only-final-fantasy-vii-costume-that-will-appear-in-lightning-returns.aspx">Final Fantasy VII</a> and <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/01/21/lightning-returns-gets-retailer-specific-pre-order-bonuses.aspx">X</a>, but now Square Enix is reaching into another one of its games.</p>
<p>A new trailer shows off Lightning sporting Lara Croft&rsquo;s costume, climbing axe, and a riot shield from 2013&rsquo;s Tomb Raider reboot. Unfortunately for Lightning, that also includes Lara&rsquo;s layer of dirt.</p>
<p>You can read a review of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII in the latest issue of Game Informer (<a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/02/04/march-cover-revealed-2014-3151321.aspx">available now for digital subscribers</a>). The title arrives on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on February 11. The DLC will be available for download at launch, though no price is listed. Square Enix confirms that there will be a cost associated with this DLC.&nbsp;</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6561899" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewTomb RaiderLara CroftSquare-EnixBehind The Scenes Director's Cut Video Tells The Whole Development Storyhttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/02/04/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-director-39-s-cut-developer-diary-tells-the-whole-story.aspxTue, 04 Feb 2014 15:35:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6559425Kyle Hilliard0http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6559425http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/02/04/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-director-39-s-cut-developer-diary-tells-the-whole-story.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2014/finalfantasy/lightningreturns/collectorsedition/lightningreturnsbts2-4-610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>In anticipation of Final Fantasy XIII&#39;s upcoming finale, Square Enix has been releasing developer diaries about the creation of the game. Today, Square Enix has released a director&#39;s cut version of those videos gathering all the documentaries into one piece and adding additional footage.</p>
<p>You can check out the full 30-minute behind-the-scenes video below, as well as the previous, shorter videos <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/08/31/documentary-short-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-lighting-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx">here</a>, <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/12/03/new-lightning-returns-developer-diary-covers-music-art-and-monorails.aspx">here</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gameinformer.com/themes/blogs/generic/post.aspx?WeblogApp=ps3&amp;y=2014&amp;m=01&amp;d=07&amp;WeblogPostName=new-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-behind-the-scenes-vid&amp;GroupKeys=games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/">here</a>.</p>
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<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is right around the corner. The game releases on PlayStation 3 (in both physical and digital download forms) and for Xbox 360 on February 11.</p>
<div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6559425" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIPlayStation 3lightning returnsRole-PlayingPreviewfinal fantasy xiiixbox 360directors cutdirector&#39;s cutbehind the scenesSquare Enix Gives Final Fantasy XIII Story Recap The Retro Treatmenthttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/29/square-enix-gives-final-fantasy-xiii-story-recap-the-retro-treatment.aspxWed, 29 Jan 2014 16:15:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6550823Mike Futter93http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6550823http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/29/square-enix-gives-final-fantasy-xiii-story-recap-the-retro-treatment.aspx#comments<p><img style="max-width:610px;" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/retro-spective/FFXIIIRetro-Spective-610.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve been playing Final Fantasy games since the 8-bit era, you might (like me) have a soft spot for the sprite-based art style. The Final Fantasy XIII saga isn&rsquo;t for everyone, and I have to wonder how much differently it would have been received if the games were designed as they look in this story recap.</p>
<p>The video tells the stories of Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2 in broad strokes to catch players up. This approach is clever, as it doesn&rsquo;t necessarily ruin the first two games for those that want to go back, but still provides enough context to get started on Lightning&rsquo;s costume-filled adventure.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on February 11. You can check out a <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/10/14/lightning-returns-devs-considered-mobile-companion-app.aspx">hands-on preview</a> here and a recent interview with producer Yoshinori Kitase <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/15/seven-questions-with-the-producer-of-lightning-returns.aspx">here</a>.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6550823" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIsquare enixPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewNew Trailer Gets Down To Businesshttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/23/new-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-gets-down-to-business.aspxThu, 23 Jan 2014 14:48:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6542011Jeff Cork39http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6542011http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/23/new-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-gets-down-to-business.aspx#comments<p><img style="max-width:610px;" border="0" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2014/finalfantasy/lightningreturns/finalbattle0123-610.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Square Enix has released a new trailer for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, and this one doesn&#39;t waste any time with exposition. Instead, it shows off the game&#39;s combat in loads of quick-fire hits.</p>
<p>Players will take on enemies in real-time battles, where Lightning has to effectively evade incoming attacks before punishing foes with her own. Players will be able to customize her with loads of gear, which will help her shatter through enemy defenses. Some opponents have special requirements that, when met in battle, will stagger them temporarily and leave them open for a deadly response from the player.&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can see how it works and more in the clip below.</p>
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<p>The game is coming out on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on February 11, including a special $89.99 collector&#39;s edition. To see what you get in that package, check out <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/18/square-enix-unboxes-the-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-collector-39-s-edition.aspx?utm_content=buffer21590&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" title="the unboxing">the unboxing</a>.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6542011" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIfinal fantasysquare enixPlayStation 3lightning returnsRole-PlayingPreviewSquare Enix Unboxes The Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Collector's Editionhttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/18/square-enix-unboxes-the-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-collector-39-s-edition.aspxSat, 18 Jan 2014 20:17:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6527158Kyle Hilliard42http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6527158http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/18/square-enix-unboxes-the-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-collector-39-s-edition.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2014/finalfantasy/lightningreturns/collectorsedition/lightingunboxes_610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is getting a collector&#39;s edition with some extra goodies, and Square Enix has released a video of its unboxing.</p>
<p>The collector&#39;s edition was announced at the end of 2013, and you can see the list of extras that will be included below:</p>
<ul>
<li>An 80-page art book with never-before-seen illustrations and early character sketches by character designer Tetsuya Nomura</li>
<li>Silver embossed pocket watch</li>
<li>DLC code for Aerith Gainsborough&#39;s Midgar&#39;s Flower Girl outfit</li>
</ul>
<p>If you hate words and reading them, but have somehow made it to this sentence and are continuing to read, you can check out the video below, hosted by product manager Mat Kishimoto, to see the contents of the collector&#39;s edition, instead of reading the list above.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p>
<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on February 11. The collector&#39;s edition will be available on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 for $89.99, but the only way to get it will be to order through Square Enix&#39;s online store.</p>
<p>For more on Lightning Returns, <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/controlpanel/blogs/EditPost.aspx/Mat%20Kishimoto,%20the%20product%20manager">check out the latest developer diary here</a>.</p>
<p><i>[Source: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/SQEXMembersNA?feature=watch">Square Enix YouTube</a>]</i></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6527158" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIPlayStation 3lightning returnsRole-PlayingPreviewfinal fantasy xiiips3xbox 36013xiii-37 Questions With The Producer Of Lightning Returnshttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/15/seven-questions-with-the-producer-of-lightning-returns.aspxWed, 15 Jan 2014 22:25:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6521046Joe Juba1http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6521046http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/15/seven-questions-with-the-producer-of-lightning-returns.aspx#comments<p><img style="max-width:610px;" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/awake610.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>The final installment of the Final Fantasy XIII saga is nearly here, and many fans are wondering how the team at Square Enix will conclude the trilogy. To answer some of those questions, we spoke to Lightning Returns producer Yoshinori Kitase about a wide range of topics, including the countdown clock, the battle system, and the ending. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Lightning fights alone for most of the game. Did you have any reservations about not including traditional party members?</strong></p>
<p>Actually, we thought that having Lightning as the sole playable character was an ideal way to introduce a new battle system, befitting the Final Fantasy franchise &ndash; one that incorporates action-packed combat with strategic elements that remains on par with traditional party battle.</p>
<p>For instance, by focusing on Lightning&rsquo;s schemata and associated strategy, players can have a fuller understanding of their decisions during battles, which will ultimately help them to understand the battle rules.</p>
<p>Also, because players control Lightning directly, we were able to develop a system that reinforces the importance of blocking. This also provides the element of timing similar to that of an action game with the Stagger system that heightens the excitement for the players.</p>
<p><strong>Can you elaborate a little more on how the countdown clock affects the game?</strong></p>
<p>Many players that have yet to play the game seem worried about the element of a countdown clock, but I assure you it is something you can easily understand as you play. It is not meant to be a stiff restriction or a time limit, but more about feeling the passage of time in this new realm, from morning to afternoon to the evening, just as it is in our world.</p>
<p>At first, players may feel a bit intimidated by the sense of time, but after spending several days in the world, I&rsquo;m certain that they will get accustomed to the new environment, just like getting over jet-lag when traveling to a foreign country.</p>
<p>In this game, the world can end if left alone without doing anything, and so the countdown does serve as a starter that leads the player to be more proactive. At first, players may feel like time is against them, but before they know it, the allotted time will increase as quests are completed. They should be able to maneuver through the system as they please.</p>
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<p><strong>Summoned monsters (like Bahamut and Shiva) played a role in Final Fantasy XIII, but were less prominent in XIII-2. What is their role in Lightning Returns?</strong></p>
<p>The summoned monsters within the Final Fantasy XIII series are a power that Etro, the goddess of death, bestows upon the l&rsquo;Cie, who are the servants of the gods. Because most of the l&rsquo;Cie are no longer around after Final Fantasy XIII-2, summoned monsters only appear in rare and special circumstances during battle.</p>
<p>In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, a certain summoned monster will make an appearance in a particular part of the main quest, so the player will be able to enjoy it from a story perspective.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns employs ultimate elemental spells such as &ldquo;Flare&rdquo; and &ldquo;Chill&rdquo; that can be used as powerful attacks, similar to the summoned monsters&rsquo; attacks in Final Fantasy XIII. Once you master Lightning&rsquo;s new special attacks like &ldquo;Overclock&rdquo; and &ldquo;Army of One,&rdquo; the battles will become even more enjoyable and thrilling.</p>
<p><strong>Combat in the previous Final Fantasy XIII titles allowed the auto-battle command to take care of many encounters as long as players switched paradigms. Did that influence your decision to use a more action-oriented approach in Lightning Returns?</strong></p>
<p>That&rsquo;s exactly right. Combat in the previous two installments required effective real-time control of multiple characters. Players are also required to have a deep understanding of the Paradigm system to properly manage the behaviors of AI-controlled party members.</p>
<p>So our challenge for this installment was to make it easy for the players to understand the battle system mechanics while keeping the strategy elements by paring down to a single character and controlling individual abilities.</p>
<p>So once you play the game, I believe you will feel that it is a Final Fantasy XIII battle that plays much like an action-driven game as well.</p>
<p><img style="max-width:610px;" border="0" src="http://gameinformer.com/resized-image.ashx/__size/610x0/__key/CommunityServer.Blogs.Components.WeblogFiles/00.00.00.00.06/2100.kitasetop.jpg" alt="" /><br /><i>Yoshinori Kitase, producer of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII</i></p>
<p><strong>Final Fantasy XIII-2 had some excellent post-game content, from different endings to the string of extra boss fights. Does Lightning Returns have a similar array of challenges to tackle after beating the game?</strong></p>
<p>There are plenty of challenges that the players can tackle, such as unlocking the Hard Mode, which can be done after beating the game once. Players can even get to places that are much harder to access in a normal method, engage in extremely tough boss fights, and so forth.</p>
<p>One example is that we&rsquo;ve incorporated a sort of ecosystem of monsters. If a player continues to defeat the same species of monsters, he/she can make them go extinct after defeating a certain amount. Before the species become extinct, the final one appears, but some of these so-called &ldquo;Last Ones&rdquo; can be pretty tough. I would definitely recommend players to take this challenge.</p>
<p>After unlocking Hard Mode, players can raise the stats and parameters on Lightning&rsquo;s equipment significantly, to combat these strong opponents. There are also weapons and equipment only available in the Hard Mode. Through this, we hope that the players will be able to enjoy the high level of customization and depth offered in the game.</p>
<p><strong>Without spoiling anything, how would you characterize the ending of Lightning Returns?</strong></p>
<p>During Final Fantasy XIII-2, we worked under the concept of &ldquo;expansion,&rdquo; and so we provided additional game content, including new episodic DLC. Because we created Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII under the concept of &ldquo;completion,&rdquo; the story is all-inclusive in the package. Any questions about the world, or the fight against the fate of being controlled by the gods, or relationships between characters will be resolved with this installment.</p>
<p><strong>Games featuring Lightning and the other FFXIII characters have been in process for a decade. What are your thoughts on being done with them?</strong></p>
<p>It has been almost 10 years since we created the world of Final Fantasy XIII and Lightning. We had always planned to approach this project with a fresh mindset throughout the development process. This was greatly enhanced by all of the fan feedback, which allowed us to improve the sense of freedom within the gameplay, and to create new game mechanics, world settings and a rich storyline.</p>
<p>While I am naturally feeling deep emotions about sending Lightning off to her happy ending, I am excited about being able to create a new piece of work. However, I&rsquo;m sure as time goes by, I&rsquo;ll miss Lightning, but to mitigate this sense of longing, I&rsquo;m going to do my best to create an equally charismatic and appealing character for my next project!</p>
<div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6521046" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewNew Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Developer Diaryhttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/07/new-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-behind-the-scenes-vid.aspxTue, 07 Jan 2014 15:08:14 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6501801Matthew Kato23http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6501801http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2014/01/07/new-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-behind-the-scenes-vid.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2014/finalfantasy/lightningreturns/lr1.7610.jpg" border="0" style="max-width:610px;" alt="" /></p>
<p>Square Enix has released the latest developer diary for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, and it focuses mainly on the game&#39;s Doomsday Clock.</p>
<p>The video, feature several members of the development team, focuses on how the clock influences players in the title, your control over environments, and offers a little more on combat gameplay.</p>
<p>The game is available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on February 11.</p>
<p>For the previous two installments in the video series, click <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/08/31/documentary-short-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-lighting-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx">here</a> and <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/12/03/new-lightning-returns-developer-diary-covers-music-art-and-monorails.aspx">here</a>.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6501801" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIsquare enixPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewxbox 360Square Enix Gives You A Guided Tour Of Lightning Returnshttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/12/17/square-enix-gives-you-a-guided-tour-of-lightning-returns.aspxTue, 17 Dec 2013 15:38:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6471820Matt Helgeson69http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6471820http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/12/17/square-enix-gives-you-a-guided-tour-of-lightning-returns.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/tour/LRFFXIII610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>A new trailer gives us our most detailed look at Square Enix&#39;s Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII yet.</p>
<p>The trailer is dubbed a &quot;guided tour&quot;, and you&#39;ll see why. A narrator takes you through nearly every element of the game, from the world to the details of character customization. Extensive time is also spent breaking down the game&#39;s new focus on direct control and action elements. It&#39;s a new direction for Final Fantasy, and one that&#39;s looking very intriguing.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6471820" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIsquare enixPlayStation 3lightning returnsRole-PlayingPreviewfinal fantasy xiiiguided tourvideotrailerChinese Lightning Returns Video Shows Lightning In Yuna's Final Fantasy X-2 Outfithttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/12/08/chinese-lighting-returns-video-shows-lightning-in-yuna-39-s-final-fantasy-x-2-outfit.aspxSun, 08 Dec 2013 23:19:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6457434Kyle Hilliard65http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6457434http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/12/08/chinese-lighting-returns-video-shows-lightning-in-yuna-39-s-final-fantasy-x-2-outfit.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/ff10/FFX2LIGHTNING_610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>Lightning is no stranger to recalling previous Final Fantasy outfits from her <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/09/14/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-video-showcase-over-40-costumes.aspx">impressive closet</a>, and it looks like she will be pulling out another.</p>
<p>So far we&#39;ve seen <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/07/02/final-fantasy-vii-cloud-strife-costume-pre-order-bonus-added-to-lightning-returns.aspx">Cloud</a> and <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/05/cloud-39-s-isn-39-t-the-only-final-fantasy-vii-costume-that-will-appear-in-lightning-returns.aspx">Aerith&#39;s</a> clothing from Final Fantasy VII as well as <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/09/21/lightning-borrows-yuna-39-s-ffx-dress-in-the-latest-trailer.aspx">Yuna&#39;s outfit</a> from Final Fantasy X being worn by Lighting for the upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. A new video showcasing the Chinese version of Lightning Returns shows Lightning wearing Yuna&#39;s outfit from Final Fantasy X&#39;s sequel &ndash; another Final Fantasy games where outfits played an important tactical and aesthetic role.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on February 11. Head to the 3:37 mark in the video below to see Yuna&#39;s Final Fantasy X-2 outfit in action.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p>
<p><i>[Source: <a target="_blank" href="http://remoon.blog15.fc2.com/blog-entry-28532.html">Game Jouhou</a>, via <a target="_blank" href="http://www.siliconera.com/2013/12/06/yunas-final-fantasy-x-2-costume-coming-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii/">Siliconera</a>]</i></p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6457434" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewlightingnNew Lightning Returns Developer Diary Covers Music, Art, And Monorailshttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/12/03/new-lightning-returns-developer-diary-covers-music-art-and-monorails.aspxWed, 04 Dec 2013 02:33:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6447260Kyle Hilliard0http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6447260http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/12/03/new-lightning-returns-developer-diary-covers-music-art-and-monorails.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/music/lighdev2_610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>The newest developer diary covers a lot of ground for the third Final Fantasy XIII title, including Tetsuya Nomura&#39;s art, the environments, the music, and more.</p>
<p>You&#39;ll hear from all aspects of development from the artists and musicians to the designers. The team talks about long time Final Fantasy artist Tetsuya Nomura&#39;s work for the game, how the environments interlock with one another with monorails, and the focus for the game, which according to this video, &quot;has been to make Lightning more beautiful and cooler looking than ever before.&quot;</p>
<p>To see the first episode of the Inside the Square series of videos covering the development of Lightning Returns, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/08/31/documentary-short-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-lighting-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx">head here</a>. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on February 11.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p>
<div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6447260" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIsquare enixPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewxiiilighting returnsthirteenfinal fantasy 13Tetsuya NomuraLightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Trailer Shows Off The Engine And The Returning Casthttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/11/23/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-shows-off-the-engine-and-the-returning-cast.aspxSat, 23 Nov 2013 21:45:27 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:6430069Kyle Hilliard70http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=6430069http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/11/23/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-shows-off-the-engine-and-the-returning-cast.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/specialeffect/returnsspeceff_610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>The latest Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy trailer shows off some of the game&#39;s lighting and special effects, and highlights some familiar characters.</p>
<p>The description for the new trailer says that this trailer was made especially for the fans to show off characters and the game&#39;s visuals. There isn&#39;t much new in the trailer, but it is flashy and exciting.</p>
<p>It seems like almost every week there is a new trailer for Lightning Returns, and that&#39;s not too far off. Previous trailers have covered <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/05/cloud-39-s-isn-39-t-the-only-final-fantasy-vii-costume-that-will-appear-in-lightning-returns.aspx">Final Fantasy VII call-outs</a>, <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/09/29/see-the-miqo-39-te-costume-in-action-in-the-latest-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer.aspx">Final Fantasy XIV crossovers</a>, the game&#39;s <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/09/24/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-opening-cinematic-begins-the-end-of-the-world.aspx">opening cinematic</a>, <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/09/22/here-39-s-a-slightly-longer-version-of-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-39-s-tgs-trailer.aspx">the story</a>, and <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/09/19/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-trailer-highlights-the-action.aspx">the action</a>.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on February 11.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=6430069" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIfinal fantasyPlayStation 3lightning returnsRole-PlayingPreviewxiii13thirteenspecial effectsLightning Returns Developers Considered Mobile Companion Apphttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/14/lightning-returns-devs-considered-mobile-companion-app.aspxMon, 14 Oct 2013 13:00:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:5254647Mike Futter3http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=5254647http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/14/lightning-returns-devs-considered-mobile-companion-app.aspx#comments<p><img border="0" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/LRFFXIINYCC-610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" alt="" /></p>
<p>Last week at a New York Comic Con event, Square Enix gave us hands-on time with <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/10/09/vanille-hears-the-dead-in-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII</a>. Following our brief play through of the trilogy&#39;s conclusion, we sat down with producer Yoshinori Kitase and game design director Yuji Abe.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns takes a sharp detour from the traditional turn-based play found in the previous entries. Lightning is alone on her quest, and the development team has worked hard to both open up the world and speed up the battle system.</p>
<p>Once in battle, Lightning has access to three assigned &quot;schemata.&quot; Each offers four different abilities mapped the face buttons. Using the right trigger during battle pulls up information on the current foe, including weaknesses and resistances. This list is populated as you use different attacks.</p>
<p>Each attack uses part of that schemata&#39;s gauge. This refills slowly over time, but much faster if you switch to a new schemata. Each battle played briskly and kept me engaged throughout.</p>
<p>&quot;We always kept in mind gamer feedback,&quot; Abe says. &quot;There were comments from players that there was a lack of freedom in the first game.&quot;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&quot;With the first installment, we weren&#39;t able to do everything we wanted to, Kitase says. We&#39;ve gotten to the point where we&#39;re able to accomplish what we&#39;re trying to do with the current generation of hardware. I&#39;m really happy that we&#39;re able to do that. Moving to the next generation, the hardware has even higher specs, and there might be more challenges to face.</p>
<p>The switch from a party-based title to a solo adventure will have narrative implications, but Kitase is confident that gamers will be happy. &quot;We used the feedback to improve on the subsequent installments while keeping the story,&quot; he says. &quot;The party members are still in the universe and they are holding onto their struggles and loss.&quot;</p>
<p>Lightning Returns takes place 500 years after Final Fantasy XIII-2, and the world is nearing its fated end. Unlike some other apocalyptic tales, the opening cinematic for Lightning Returns reveals a city celebrating.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&quot;After the events of XIII-2, the world started to slowly move toward this end phase,&quot; Kitase says. &quot;Time has stopped. People have been stagnant for 500 years. Over those several centuries, the people have accepted their fate in their own ways.&quot;</p>
<p>The mood isn&#39;t quite so jovial in other parts of the world, as different pockets of civilization busy themselves with their own missions. For instance, the citizens of Luxerion, a religious city, spend their days reading the teachings of their deity.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns features the grand vistas and sweeping story that Square Enix&#39;s Final Fantasy series has become known for. The franchise remains one of the pillars of the publisher&#39;s home console publishing business amidst a significant shift toward mobile.</p>
<p>Even the Final Fantasy series has been touched by this transition, with Final Fantasy VI coming to iOS this year. Mobile interaction was almost woven into Final Fantasy XIII, also. &quot;Lightning Returns was designed with the controller in mind,&quot; Kitase says. &quot;There was a time when the team was considering a mobile application for the XIII series. We decided instead just to focus on the console version of the game.&quot;</p>
<p>Lightning&#39;s saga concludes on February 25, 2014, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.</p>
<div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=5254647" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIsquare enixPlayStation 3lightning returnsRole-PlayingPreviewfinal fantasy xiiiYuji AbeYoshinori KitaseVanille Hears The Dead In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIhttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/09/vanille-hears-the-dead-in-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspxWed, 09 Oct 2013 14:33:00 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:5095647Matthew Kato0http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=5095647http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/09/vanille-hears-the-dead-in-lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii.aspx#comments<p><img style="max-width:610px;" border="0" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2014/finalfantasy/lightningreturns/oerba-dia-vanille/fflightning10.9610.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Oerba Dia Vanille is among the cast of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, but she&#39;s significantly different this time around.</p>
<p><img style="max-width:610px;float:left;" border="0" src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2014/finalfantasy/lightningreturns/oerba-dia-vanille/vanilleart.jpg" alt="" />Awoken from her crystalized state, Vanille can now hear the voices of the dead. This special power has put her under the watch of the Order in Luxerion, who call her a &quot;saint.&quot;</p>
<p>In other Lightning Returns news, Square Enix has announced an online feature called &quot;Outerworld Service&quot; that allows players to use social media to broadcast screens, messages, and battle scores from the game.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII comes out for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 (retail and via download) on February 11.</p>
<p>For more on the game, take a look at its <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/09/24/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-opening-cinematic-begins-the-end-of-the-world.aspx">opening cinematic</a>.</p>
<div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=5095647" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIfinal fantasysquare enixPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewCloud's Isn't The Only Final Fantasy VII Costume That Will Appear In Lightning Returnshttp://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/05/cloud-39-s-isn-39-t-the-only-final-fantasy-vii-costume-that-will-appear-in-lightning-returns.aspxSat, 05 Oct 2013 22:04:11 GMT79ef0c18-1c65-4225-984f-fdaeab0f0862:4971324Kyle Hilliard91http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/rsscomments.aspx?WeblogPostID=4971324http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/ps3/archive/2013/10/05/cloud-39-s-isn-39-t-the-only-final-fantasy-vii-costume-that-will-appear-in-lightning-returns.aspx#comments<p><img src="http://media1.gameinformer.com/filestorage/CommunityServer.Components.SiteFiles/imagefeed/featured/square-enix2013/final-fantasy/lightningreturns/ff7/aerithlrff13_610.jpg" style="max-width:610px;" border="0" alt="" /></p>
<p>Aerith Gainsborough (or Aeris if you prefer) will be making an appearance in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Or rather, her clothing will.</p>
<p>Among the <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/09/14/lightning-returns-final-fantasy-xiii-video-showcase-over-40-costumes.aspx">many, many costumes</a> available in Lightning Returns, Aerith&#39;s iconic pink dress and bouquet of flowers will be one of them. It&#39;s unclear exactly how to access the outfit. <a href="http://www.gameinformer.com/games/lightning_returns_final_fantasy_xiii/b/xbox360/archive/2013/07/02/final-fantasy-vii-cloud-strife-costume-pre-order-bonus-added-to-lightning-returns.aspx">Cloud&#39;s outfit</a> in Lightning Returns is a pre-order bonus.</p>
<p>Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on February 11, 2014.</p>
<p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p><div style="clear:both;"></div><img src="http://www.gameinformer.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=4971324" width="1" height="1">Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIIIsquare enixPlayStation 3Role-PlayingPreviewfinal fantasy xiiiff7final fantasy viiffxiiifinal fantasy 13ff13costumeffviiaerithGainsboroughfinal fantasy 7aeris